Rams, Seahawks and Eagles: could all three miss the NFL playoffs?

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• NFC playoff picture: Who sits inside the bubble after Week 6
• Los Angeles Rams: +100 on Bet365 — can they climb back in?
• Seattle Seahawks: -170 on Bet365 — route to redemption
• Philadelphia Eagles: +475 on Bet365 — are they still contenders despite injuries?

Preseason favorites have stumbled. After Week 6, the Rams, Seahawks and Eagles — teams many pegged for another deep NFC run — sit at .500 or worse. The shock: the conference’s last three Super Bowl champions would all be on the outside looking in if the playoffs began today.

NFC playoff picture: Who sits inside the bubble after Week 6

The standings through six weeks have shuffled expectations. A fast-starting 49ers squad leads the way, while familiar contenders scramble to find form.

1. San Francisco 49ers (6-0)
2. Minnesota Vikings (5-0)
3. Carolina Panthers (3-2)
4. New York Giants (3-2-1)
5. Green Bay Packers (4-2)
6. Chicago Bears (4-2)
7. Detroit Lions (4-2)

The Seahawks are just outside at No. 8, the Eagles sit at No. 11 and the Rams have fallen to No. 14. With more than 10 weeks of football left, the window for comebacks remains open.

Los Angeles Rams: +100 on Bet365 — can they climb back in?

Remaining schedule strength: 25th (.469)

The Rams were preseason Super Bowl favorites. Injuries and inconsistent play have turned the early slate into a grind. Wins against sub-.500 teams are on the horizon, but the path to the postseason is narrow.

• Key challenges: ongoing defensive absences and recent losses to underdog opponents.
• Tough matchups ahead: a road test at San Francisco and hostile home games versus Green Bay and Kansas City.
• Crunch target: nine wins may no longer be enough to reach the field.

Depth issues and turnover on both lines have exposed coaching questions and execution lapses. The offense will need sustained production without its top wideout, while the defense must stabilize against the run and in the secondary.

Updated prediction: Rams miss the playoffs

Seattle Seahawks: -170 on Bet365 — route to redemption

Remaining schedule strength: 8th (.539)

Seattle’s schedule offers a mix of winnable matchups and stiff tests. Division games with the Rams will be pivotal. The Seahawks can still reach the postseason, but multiple things must break right.

• Winnable games include matchups against the Raiders, Panthers and Giants.
• Challenging contests: trips to San Francisco and a meeting with the Bears.
• Key needs: steadier quarterback play and a more consistent running attack.

The defense has been less dominant than in past seasons. If the offense finds rhythm and the unit tightens up, Seattle can climb into a wild-card spot. Their standing depends on slipping teams in the NFC North or elsewhere.

Updated prediction: Seahawks make the playoffs

Philadelphia Eagles: +475 on Bet365 — are they still contenders despite injuries?

Remaining schedule strength: 24th (.477)

The Eagles occupy second place in a weak division, even as injuries have hampered their ceiling. With the division still winnable, Philadelphia’s fate hinges on health and short-term form.

• Division outlook: the NFC East remains unsettled, with the Giants, Cowboys and Commanders all vulnerable.
• Matchups that matter: games against the 49ers and Seahawks look steep, while clashes with the Steelers, Texans, Colts and Cardinals are realistic chances to win.
• How to get to nine wins: a 7-4 finish over the rest of the schedule would likely do it.

The offense is limited without its usual starter, but the roster still contains playmakers who can tilt close games. Coaching adjustments and improved health over the coming weeks would make a playoff berth likely rather than hopeful.

Updated prediction: Eagles make the playoffs